QUALITY FLOATATION COULD SAVE LIFE!

Participation in recreational boating in Canada has increased fairly dramatically over the last few years. Unfortunately many people haven't taken the time to learn how to operate a boat properly. With close to nine million boaters now plying our waterways boat accidents happen. The Canadian Red Cross and Life Saving Society, who jointly collect data on water related fatalities, report over 200 fatalities annually.

Enforcement and in some cases, fairly substantial fines are making people realize the hard way, the importance of having the proper equipment on board when they do hit the water,

When you get your boat ready for the opening of fishing season this year make sure that you have a Canadian approved personal flotation jacket or lifejacket that is an appropriate fit and in good condition for each person that is going to be in the boat. Most on-water enforcement agencies have a zero tolerance in this area of boating safety with fines over $200 for each violation.

Dwight Gelhorn, who has been selling life jackets for a long time knows the importance of quality equipment. Dwight represents Buoy-O-Boy, a Canadian Company that has been making top of the line floatation devices since 1939. Dwight says they have an extensive line of Canadian Coast Guard Approved flotation products that use the highest grade flotation materials, Underwriters Laboratories Approved nylon, superior webbing, and non-corrosive plastic buckle and zippers. The exclusive Seamweldª waterproof construction on all anti-exposure suits, flotation coats and jackets eliminates wet shoulders, wet necks and wet seats. Dwight says the beauty of this is that it keeps you warm and dry in all weather conditions and certainly helps prevent hypothermia.

Now when I boat in cold weather I always wear my one piece survival suit by Buoy-O-Boy and make sure when I am traveling from spot to spot that the zipper on that survival suit is right up as tight below my chin as possible.

Both Dwight and myself have younger children and he says it is extremely important for parents to understand the difference between a life jacket and a personal flotation device. He explains that a lifejacket is designed to turn an unconscious person face up in the water and is great in when kids are out fishing with their parents in a boat. If they happened to get thrown overboard and knocked unconscious, the lifejacket would save their life. A personal flotation device, on the other hand is the one to use when kids are learning to swim or playing in the pool because it doesn't have flotation around the neck and allows the kids more freedom to move. Dwight recommends having both kinds for each child and he says you can get one for the cost of a large pizza; a small price to pay for the safety of your child. Buoy-O-Boy colour codes their lifejackets and personal flotation devices according to size of the child. Dwight Gelhorn says this eliminates a lot of confusion when kids are grabbing lifejackets on the dock before they head out; all they have to do is grab the right colour and they will be fitted properly.